No one is required to speak up, but there will be opportunities to do so.

Thank you for joining us for the Secular Coalition for Wyoming monthly conference call!

The Secular Coalition for America is the only 501(c)(4) lobbying organization representing secular and nontheistic Americans.

Based in Washington DC, we are working to make sure that you are heard on Capitol Hill, on the federal level, yet some of the most egregious violations of separation of church and state are being promoted and passed at a state level.

The Secular Coalition for America is forming state chapters across the country to bring together secular and nontheistic Americans in each state to lobby on secular issues.

State Government

Capital city is Cheyenne

Governor Matt Mead

Republican, first elected in 2010

Wyoming State Legislature

In 2012, the State Senate was in session from February 13 through March 9

Wyoming State Senate

30 senators serving 4 year terms

15 seats up for election in November

Controlled by the Republican Party with a 26-4 marjoity

Wyoming House of Representatives

30 members serving 2 year terms

All 60 seats up for election in November

Controlled by the Republican Party with a 50-10 marjoity

U.S. Senate

The election will fill the Class 1 Senate seat, which is currently held by John Barrasso (R). First appointed to the U.S. Senate in 2007, Barrasso is running for re-election in 2012.

Political reports predict Barrasso will keep his seat against challenger Time Chesut (D)

U.S. House of Representatives

Wyoming's 1 seat in the U.S. house are up for election in November

Currently held by the Cynthia Lummis (R), running for re-election

Issues/Events

Constitutional Amendment A

Gets around the HHS Contraception Mandate

Ballot Text: "The adoption of this amendment will provide that the right to make health care decisions is reserved to the citizens of the state of Wyoming. It permits any person to pay and any health care provider to receive direct payment for services. The amendment permits the legislature to place reasonable and necessary restrictions on health care consistent with the purposes of the Wyoming Constitution and provides that this state shall act to preserve these rights from undue governmental infringement."

Same Mission- to increase the visibility of and respect for nontheistic viewpoints in the United States, and to protect and strengthen the secular character of our government as the best guarantee of freedom for all.

Similar Purpose - accomplish its mission through cooperation between local groups and coordinated state lobbying activities.

As lobbyists we must be the diplomats of the secular movement, always act respectfully and professional

We believe secular values are American values, we are nonpartisan and want to work with everyone

Fundraising

Fundraising challenges prevent chapter growth

Secular Coalition will do all the fundraising and provide all resources the chapter needs

Donations will go to the Secular Coalition for the benefit of the state chapters

Official Chapter Recognition

Once your state chapter is organized, the executive committee and a representative of the Secular Coalition will sign a memo of understanding officially recognizing the Secular Coalition for California and giving the group access to our resources.

Leadership / Executive Committee

No set number of members or roles

Flexible to availability and strengths of individuals who want to get involved

Those who do not wish to be on the Executive Committee, but still want to play an active role and help out once there is work to be done, please email me [email protected].

Database

Sign up to receive action alerts to be part of a grassroots campaign when particular issues arise. Sign up online here.

Secular Coalition’s Support for the Chapters

Conference Calls

Initial organizing calls focus on setting up the structure, identifying leadership, discussing how the legislature in California operates and the best ways to meet the needs of the Secular Coalition for California

Future monthly calls will become a way to educate and inform: track legislation, coordinate lobbying efforts and coordinate secular organizations.